Hakeem Nicks Injury: How Is Eli Manning's Fantasy Stock Affected by Injured WR?

Eli Manning will be less effective if Hakeem Nicks is out with an injury. The Giants offense is about running the football, but they love to stretch the field. Both aspects of the offense depend on each other. If the passing game is not effective, then more defenders will be in the box. 

If the defense can shut down the running game, more defenders will be dropped into coverage. These are some of the reasons Hakeem Nicks' injury will impact the Giants offense.

Nicks has emerged as an excellent playmaker, and Mannings' favorite target. Nicks has great hands, good quickness, and knows how to go up and attack the football. He makes a ton of tough catches, helping Mannings' completion percentage. 

Without Nicks, Manning will see more incomplete passes and less big plays. It can be argued that Nicks saves Manning from throwing interceptions, by catching the ball at its highest point.

Without his top target, Manning could expect his other playmakers to receive more attention. Mario Manningham becomes the biggest threat, likely receiving more double teams. This also means that other receivers will be worked into the mix. 

As starters go out of the lineup, the replacements come in with less time spent with the first team.  Expect some timing issues, if Nicks is out of the lineup.

The running game will be less effective, if Nicks is unable to play. Without Nicks, the defense will feel less threatened and move defenders into the box. They know that the Giants love to run the football, and loosing their top target will likely mean more rushing attempts.

If the running game is unable to produce, Manning will be unable to utilize play-action. The Giants offense is dependent of freezing the linebackers with play-action. If the linebackers don't bite on the play-action, they will be in the passing lanes.

Eli Manning's fantasy value takes a major hit without the explosive Hakeem Nicks.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on Twitter @Jon_Dove42.